Women in veterinary leadership positions: their motivations and enablers

Abstract

BackgroundDespite now having higher numbers of women than men within the veterinary profession, there are substantially less women in leadership roles. Research, primarily in other professions, has focussed on barriers to leadership and sometimes overlooked facilitators and motivators. This study aimed to explore the motivating factors for female veterinary surgeons to become leaders, to identify potential strategies to increase female leadership.MethodsSixteen female leaders from academia, professional bodies, industry and clinical practice took part in semistructured interviews. Interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsTwo themes were developed: ‘Potential for positive influence’ and ‘Requirement of external enablers’. Participants wanted to influence change for themselves, including work-life balance and developing their role, and for others through a position of influence. They wanted to inspire and mentor the future generation of leaders. External enablers allowed this transition to occur, including formal mentors and informal support systems, opportunities for growth and increased responsibility, and leadership training.ConclusionPotential strategies to increase female leaders include the promotion of female role models, increasing awareness of training and increasing work flexibility. The profession could improve its support of the next generation of leaders and celebrate the successful female leaders we already possess.

Systematic Literature Review on Variables Impacting Organization’s Zero Accident Vision in Occupational Safety and Health Perspectives

“…Motivation is a decisive element in transforming the vision of zero accidents into a type of action implemented by the organization's management. Motivation is essential to success in organizational management because it acts as a catalyst for inspiration, proper behavior, creativity, optimism, and self-confidence [76][77][78]. Furthermore, the safety climate is not only essential for assessing the organization's safety performance but it can also enhance the safety culture among employees.…”

What motivates women in the veterinary profession to pursue leadership positions?

“…In the discourse analysis, Tindell and colleagues identify the potential for positive influence as a motivator for the female participants to progress into veterinary leadership. They document the participants’ desire to influence both their own careers and that of others 7. Such self-determination or autonomy is recognised as a positive motivator for individuals in any workplace, irrespective of gender, allowing a level of job satisfaction through shaping their own role responsibilities and hours worked.…”

“…Tindell and colleagues describe several external enablers for the female leaders in their study 7 . Leading on from role autonomy is the benefit of seeking, and being provided with, ongoing opportunities to expand role responsibilities and continue learning.…”

“…To this end, research such as the qualitative study by Tindell and colleagues, 7 summarised on p 155 of this issue of Vet Record , is a positive addition to the evidence base. The authors explore the experiences of 16 female veterinary leaders to understand the factors that have influenced their career journeys and progression.…”

‘Gender discrimination is stopping women pursuing leadership roles in our profession’

“…A recent study identified the importance of ‘external enablers’ in facilitating female leadership 4 . The study sample of female veterinary leaders (16 in total) was ironically too small to be generalisable, but the value attributed to external support and mentorship was a common theme from their interviews.…”